Development of new cytoplasmic genetic male sterile lines through Indica × Japonica hybridization in rice

Summary From 28 Indica-Japonica crosses, two Indica cultivars, V.20B and Sattari were identified to possess male sterile cytoplasm with fertility restoring genes. It was possible to develop a new Japonica cytoplasmic genetic male sterile line (Zhunghua-1) on Indica male sterile cytoplasm (V 20B) by repeated backcrossing the complete pollen sterile plants of V 20B x Zhunghua-1 to the recurring male parent, Zhunghua-1. The study indicated that it would be possible to develop male sterile lines rom indica-japonica crosses only when there is sufficient amount of reciprocal differences with respect to pollen sterility. Further, it was inferred that it would be easier to develop Japonica male sterile lines on Indica cytoplasm than developing Indica male sterile line with japonica cytoplasm.